3D Machine Control
Full 3D Grade Guidance. Every Cut. Every Pass.
iDig North America's 3D machine control systems deliver centimeter-accurate positioning using GPS/GNSS and digital terrain models — eliminating stakes, reducing rework, and maximizing productivity on complex earthworks projects.
The technology
What is 3D Machine Control?
3D machine control combines GPS/GNSS satellite positioning with a digital design model of your project to give operators real-time, three-dimensional guidance. The system knows exactly where the bucket or blade is in space — horizontally and vertically — and compares that position to the design surface continuously.
Unlike 2D systems that guide to a single slope or depth, 3D control handles complex surfaces: curved roads, multi-slope pads, retention ponds, and intricate site designs. The operator sees a color-coded cut/fill map on the in-cab display and can work to design without a single stake in the ground.
±3/4"
Positional Accuracy
50%
Less Rework
Stakeless
Operation
Real-Time
Cut / Fill Display
Why upgrade to 3D
3D vs. 2D — When to Go Full 3D
2D systems excel at simple slopes and depths. 3D control is the right choice when your project demands more.
Complex Surface Designs
Multi-slope pads, curved alignments, retention basins, and any surface that changes grade in multiple directions simultaneously require 3D positioning.
Large-Scale Earthworks
On highway, subdivision, and commercial site projects where thousands of cubic yards must be moved to precise design elevations, 3D control pays for itself quickly.
Tight Tolerances
When specifications call for sub-inch accuracy across the entire work area — not just at check points — 3D GPS/GNSS is the only reliable solution.
Reduced Survey Costs
Eliminate the need for surveyors to re-stake after each pass. The machine always knows where it is relative to design, so work continues uninterrupted.
Machine Applications
3D machine control is available for most of the earthmoving equipment in your fleet.
Excavators
Full 3D bucket guidance with depth, slope, and horizontal position displayed in real time. Ideal for pond excavation, trenching to complex grades, and finish grading.
Dozers & Crawlers
Automatic blade control guided by a 3D design model. The system raises and lowers the blade to match design elevation on every pass — no operator input required for grade.
Motor Graders
Achieve design cross-slope and profile grade simultaneously. 3D grader control is the benchmark for road base finishing and large pad grading.
Scrapers
Load and spread material to exact design elevations across large areas. 3D scraper control maximizes efficiency on mass earthworks and reduces over-excavation.
Compactors
GPS-mapped compaction management tracks pass counts and coverage across the entire work area, ensuring uniform compaction to specification.
Pavers
Maintain precise mat thickness and design cross-slope on asphalt and concrete paving operations with 3D paver control.
What's included
System Capabilities
Digital Terrain Model Import
Import LandXML, DXF, and other standard design formats directly. No proprietary conversions — bring your design files straight from the office.
Color Cut / Fill Map
A real-time color-coded map on the in-cab display shows the operator exactly how much material to cut or fill at every point across the work area.
RTK & Network RTK
Connect to your own base station or a regional correction network for maximum flexibility and consistent centimeter-level accuracy across large sites.
As-Built Data Collection
Record as-built surface data continuously as the machine works. Upload to the office wirelessly for quantity verification and progress reporting.
Multi-Machine Coordination
Multiple machines on the same site share the same design model and as-built data, keeping the entire fleet working toward the same finished surface.
Get started
See 3D Machine Control in Action
Request a live demonstration with your equipment and your design files — our team will show you exactly what 3D control can do on your next project.